Flag

by Julian Colton

In the distance across garden fences
Up a pole a flag is flying

Flutters in the wind like a Hawaiian shirt
Slightly ragged and worse for wear.

From my high kitchen screw sleepy eyes to see more clearly
Is it a Saltire or Tricolour?

Then from grey the red of it emerges
And I realise it’s the Union Jack

Conclude they must be diehard Rangers fans
Claiming Crown, Union and Ibrox in revival.

You have to laugh, if slightly nervous.
In Scotland old rivalries simmer.

Here in the Borders there’s room for banter
In the West knives and bad blood will be drawn.